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- Breakfast sausage options: You can choose mild sausage for a gentle flavor or spicy sausage for a kick. Both add great taste to the casserole. - Types of bread for ideal texture: Use day-old bread, like sourdough or ciabatta. This gives the dish a nice texture. - Recommended cheese selections: Sharp cheddar cheese works best for this recipe. It melts beautifully and adds rich flavor. - Vegetables to include: Diced bell peppers and finely diced onions add color and flavor. You can pick any color bell pepper you like. - Seasoning essentials: Garlic powder and oregano are key. Don't forget salt and pepper to taste. These seasonings bring out the best flavors. - Garnish options: Fresh chives or parsley make great garnishes. They add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Using high-quality ingredients makes a big difference in flavor. Each choice you make adds to the overall taste and enjoyment of your sausage breakfast casserole. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms the oven for even cooking. Next, take a 9x13 inch baking dish. Lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter. This helps the casserole not stick. In a large skillet, add 1 pound of breakfast sausage. Crumble the sausage into small pieces. Cook over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir it occasionally until it turns brown. Once cooked, drain any excess fat. Set the sausage aside to cool a bit. Grab a large mixing bowl. Add 6 large eggs and 2 cups of milk. Use a whisk to mix them well. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Also, sprinkle in some salt and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Now, carefully fold in 4 cups of cubed bread. Use a spatula to mix gently. You want each piece coated but not mushy. Next, stir in the cooked sausage, 1 diced bell pepper, and 1 small diced onion. Ensure everything is even in the mixture. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out so it forms an even layer. Top it with 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. This will melt into a tasty layer on top. Place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on it. The eggs should be set, and the top should be golden brown. When done, take it out and let it cool for about 5 to 10 minutes. This helps it firm up. Cut into squares and serve. You can add fresh chives or parsley for a nice touch. Enjoy your hearty breakfast casserole! Using day-old bread is key. Fresh bread can make the dish soggy. Day-old bread soaks up the egg mixture well, giving a nice texture. I like using sourdough or ciabatta for their sturdy structure. To evenly distribute the ingredients, fold gently. This keeps the bread from breaking apart. Make sure every piece gets coated in the egg mixture. To boost flavor, consider adding spices like paprika or thyme. You could also try mixing in some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten the dish too. When seasoning, taste the mixture before baking. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. Good seasoning makes all the difference in flavor. One common mistake is overmixing the bread in the egg mixture. This can lead to a mushy casserole. Mix just enough to combine everything. Another mistake is not letting the casserole cool before slicing. If you cut it too soon, it may fall apart. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes after baking. This will help it set and hold its shape better. {{image_4}} You can easily swap the sausage for a vegetarian option. Look for plant-based sausage that gives you that same great taste. You can also try turkey sausage for a leaner choice. For cheese, cheddar is the classic pick. You might also like pepper jack for a little heat. Feta adds a nice, tangy flavor too. Want to boost the veggie power? Add spinach or mushrooms to your mix. They cook down well and add great flavor. You can spice things up with jalapeños if you like heat. Sun-dried tomatoes give a sweet and savory twist that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. Serve your casserole with fresh fruit or a simple salad. These sides balance the richness of the dish. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free bread for your base. This keeps the dish tasty while meeting dietary needs. Enjoy your hearty meal with friends and family! To keep your sausage breakfast casserole fresh, store it properly. First, let it cool to room temperature. Then, cut it into squares. Place the squares in an airtight container. You can also wrap each piece in plastic wrap. This method helps keep the casserole moist. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, use glass or BPA-free plastic containers. Glass is great for reheating, while plastic is lightweight and easy to stack. Label your container with the date. This way, you can track how long it has been stored. If you want to save leftovers for later, freezing is a good option. First, cool the casserole completely. Cut it into individual portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until hot. When reheating, you have two main options: the microwave or oven. The microwave is quick but may change the texture. Place a piece on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking often. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until hot. This method keeps the texture nice and fluffy. Enjoy your tasty breakfast again! Yes, you can make this casserole ahead. Prepare it the night before. Assemble all the ingredients in the baking dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge overnight. When ready, just bake it in the morning. This saves time and makes breakfast easy. Look for a few signs to know if it's done. The eggs should be set and no longer jiggly. The top should be golden brown. You can insert a knife in the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready to go. Let it cool for a few minutes before cutting. This casserole pairs well with many sides. Fresh fruit adds a sweet touch. You can also serve it with crispy bacon for extra flavor. A side of hash browns is great too. For drinks, try coffee or orange juice to complete the meal. This blog post covered the ins and outs of making a delicious sausage breakfast casserole. We explored key ingredients, cooking steps, tips for flavor, and variations to fit your tastes. Remember, using day-old bread and not overmixing are crucial for the perfect texture. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs. Enjoy your time in the kitchen, and don’t hesitate to experiment. You’re now ready to bake a wonderful breakfast that brings joy to your table. Happy cooking!

Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Start your day with a delicious Savory Sausage Breakfast Casserole that combines hearty flavors and comforting textures! This easy recipe features ground sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheddar cheese, making it perfect for family brunches or busy mornings. With just a few simple steps, you can create a mouthwatering casserole that serves 8-10. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy every comforting bite!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound breakfast sausage (choose between mild for a gentle flavor or spicy for a kick)

6 large eggs, at room temperature

2 cups whole milk (or your preferred milk alternative)

4 cups cubed day-old bread (such as sourdough or ciabatta for better texture)

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 bell pepper (red, green, or yellow), diced

1 small onion, finely diced

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish using cooking spray or butter.

    In a large skillet, crumble the breakfast sausage over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.

      In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, whole milk, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

        Carefully add the cubed bread into the egg mixture, gently folding it in with a spatula to ensure each piece is coated without breaking it down too much.

          Stir in the cooked sausage, diced bell pepper, and onion until everything is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

            Pour the entire blended mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out to create an even layer.

              Generously sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

                Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the eggs are set, and the top is a delicious golden brown.

                  Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing into squares. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color.

                    - Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 8-10 servings

                      Savor this hearty and flavorful breakfast casserole, perfect for a family brunch or any day of the week! Enjoy each comforting bite!